Balanced valve



K. C. BUGG BALANCED VALVE July 14, 1953 Filed Sept. 28, 1949 3Sheets-Sheet l y 4, 1953 K. c. BUGG 2,645,448

BALANCED VALVE Filed Sept. 28, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 A ZZ 225 u I [5 "11 mummy A mm 1,

. I m V mmvron. 35/ w 3 5 :E w I BY Patented July 14, 1953 BALANCED.vALvE Kenly C. Bugg, Fort Wayne, Ind., assignorto Kendiek ManufacturingCompany, Inc, Fort Wayne, Ind., a corporation of Indiana ApplicationSeptember 28, 1949, Serial No. 118,426

' 11 Claims. (01. 251-16) This invention relates to a new andimprovedvalve and more particularly to a rotary valve having a balanced ordifferential operating action.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending applicationSerial No. 72,787, filed January 26, 1949, for Valve and Valve SealTherefor. i i

In valve mechanism, it is usual to have a fixed seat and a poppet ormovable valve member, together with means for moving the valve membertoward and from the valve seat. The flow passage is through the fixedseat, and fluid-tight contact between the valve seat and valve mem-. heris essential. Therefore, in many forms of construction expensivemachining operations and finishes within very close tolerances arenecessary, particularly in valves for high pressure work having metal tometal contacting surfaces. In some constructions plastic inserts areused, but such inserts are deformed in use and require replacement afterrelatively short use. In usual types of valves having metal to metalcontacts, the mating parts may become distorted due to high pressuresand temperaturesor to fluctuations thereof. Such distortions causeleakage and objectionable wire drawing.

The present valve construction comprises a fixed valve seat which is asection of a sphere and a movable valve member which also provides aspherical surface. The valve comprises a third member in the form of aring which is arranged to engage both the fixed and movable sphericalsurfaces and to closely contact them in the closed position ofthe valve.The movable valve member is pivoted on an axis which is locatedeccentrically of the center about which the sphere is formed andparallel to a diameter of the sphere passing through the axis. Fluidpres.-

-sure against the spherical surface is thus unspherical surfaceand thering which engages both surfaces forms a universal joint which makespossible the use of relatively unyielding metallic surfaces witheccentric movement of the valve. Since this universal joint constructionis present, the ring may be relatively stiff and rigid although it maybe formed of material which has a certain amount of flexibility andresilience. The parts are preferably so related that the closed positionof the valve leaves a possible further movement of the valve sphereabout its eccentric axis. Such further movement will take care of wearor deformation of the parts. For example; the parts may be designed sothat in a normal closing of the valve the line joining the rotationaland spherical axes of the movablemember makes an angle of 45 with a linejoining the rotational axes and the center of the sphere upon which thefixed valve surfaces are formed. This would permit a further angularmovement of 45 to take up future wear or deformation or any possiblevariation in dimensions. Thus, the necessity for working to very closetolerances is avoided.

The amount of eccentricity controls the effective lever arm availablefor manual or mechanical operation of the valve and also the lever armacted upon by the fluid under pressure. This latter lever arm alsovaries at different valve positions. A further factor available forpressure variation is the relationship between the diameter of thesphere and that of the ring. All these factors may be varied, asdesired, to meet differing conditions and requirements.

It is an object of the present invention to prov1de a new and improvedbalanced or differential valve of the rotary type.

It is a further object to provide a rotary valve which may bepredeterminedasto its balanced or differential characteristics.

It is also an object to provide a balanced valve which may be adaptedfor extreme pressure or temperature conditions and wherein it is notnecessary to observe close tolerances.

It is an additional object to provide a balanced or differential valvewherein it is not necessary to provide a plurality of poppets, seats,pistons, guides or the like.

It is another object to provide a balanced or differential valve whereinonly single valve and seat elements are provided operable in themselvesto obtain the desired conditions of balance as distinguished from valveswherein, for example, one valve and seat combination'isused for flowcontrol and other means are used for obtaining the balanced ordifferential characteristics.

It is an additional object to provide a balanced or differential valvewherein a metallic or other contact is provided which does notusematerial subject to be affected adversely by temperatures orpressures.

It is a further object to provide a balanced or It is also an object toprovide a'construction of a balanced or differential valve whichoperates without chatter or wire drawing. 7

It is a further object to provide a balanced or differential valve whichis selectively biased-towards open or closed position at predeterminedrates of speed relative to pressure, thus controlling fiow therethrough.7

It is an additional object to provide a rotatable balanced ordifferential valve where a thermal 7 control operation may beeffectively used.

Other and further objects will appear as the description proceeds. I

I have shown certain preferred embodiments of my invention in theaccompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a vertical sectiontakenthrough one form of the invention applied to a faucet. or the like;

Figure ,2 is a view generally similar to Figure 1 showing a modifiedform of the construction Where the valve controls linear flow;

Figure 3 isa fragmentary diagrammatic transverse .section showing theValve of Figure 2 in closed position; 7

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the valve in partly open.position;

Figure 5 is aview similar to Figure 3 showing the valve in fully openposition; 7

Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevation showing a modified form ofvalveclosure member;

Figure '1 is .a horizontal'section through the center of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a view similar toFigure 6 showing a further modified. form;

.Figure 9. is. a transverse section through Figure 8; g

Figure 10 is a'view similar to Figure fi'showi-ng a furthermodification; r I

Figure 11 is a transverse section through the construction of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a vertical-section through'a solenoid-operated form ofvalve; 7

Figure 13is a transverse section taken on line l'3|3 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a horizontal section through a balanced type of valvecontrolled by a bi-metallic element;

Figure 15 is a side elevation of the construction of Figure 14; 7

' Figure 16 is a side elevation of a valve actuated by a Sylphonbellows;

Figure 17 is a transverse section taken online |1--l1 of Figure 16,; V

Figure 18 is a vertical section taken on line I8-l8 of Figure 16;

form of seal adapted for use with the valve stems or trunnions of thevalve constructions shown.

Referring first to the form of construction shown in Figure l, the valveassembly comprises the valve body to which is secured the spigot spoutor outlet 31 held in place by means of the threaded fitting 38. Thefitting 38 also secures the seat member 40 between the inner end of thefitting and the complementary surface 42 of the body 35. The member 40has a cylindrical discharge opening 43 therethrough communicating withthe spout 31. This fitting 40 is also provided with a segmentalspherical seat 45 and a substantially cylindrical fiange 46 extendingfrom the member 54 carrying the packing ring 55 isthreaded upon theinner face of the flange 52.

The lower portion 51of the valve stem 41 extends within the Valvechamber 58 in the valve'body 35. This lower section 51 is locatedeccentrically of the upper. body of the, valve stem. The movable valvemember 60 is provided with a spherical outer surface 62 It is fittedupon the valve stem section 51, the axis of. which section coincideswith the axis of the sphere 60. The sphere '60 may be firmly secured onthe reduced end portion 51, as by push fit, so that itdoes not rotaterelative to the valve stem. A through passage 63 is shown through boththe valve stem 51 and the opposite portions of the sphere 60. Ifdesired, this passage 63 may be omitted and, such case, the sphere 60maybe fitted loosely on the eccentric valve stem portion 51. The looselyfitted ball would be free to rotate on the valve stem and also have alimited free vertical movement. It would 7 thus automatically adjustitself to proper contact with the ringv or sleeve 61 and would presentdifferent portions of the sphere against the edge of the ring. Thisprevents any localized wear upon the valve sphere 60. A snap ring 65isshown on the valve stemportion 51 below the sphere 60 to limitdownward. movement of the sphere;

The sleeve orring 61 may be resilient and flexable and is fitted aboutthe flange 46 of the fitting 40, having one circular edgeof the ring incontact with the sphericalsurface 45 of'the fitting. The oppositecircularedgesurface of the ring 61 is in contact with the surface. ofthe sphere, 60. It will be noted that, when. the valve stem'41 isrotated the through passage 63 extending through the sphere 60 andthevalve stem section 51 will be aligned withthe passage 43 through thefitting 42. V 1

The form of construction shown in Eiguresi2 to 5 inclusive is generallysimilar inoperating characteristics to the form of construction shown inFigure 1. This latter construction, howevenis adapted for high pressurework, while the con struction of Figure l is not adapted for use inconnection with such high pressures.-

In the construction of Figures 2 to 5,-the heavy valve body 10 has the.threaded inlet opening II and afitting 12 threaded into the opposite endof the member 1!! at 13. This fitting 12 has a threaded internal opening15, generallysimilar to the inlet opening 1|, so that the fitting may bereadily inserted in a continuous flow line. The fitting 15has an innerface 11 formed asa segment of a sphere, this face terminating in thecylindrical flange I8 which surroundsthe passage 19 through the fitting.

The spherical valve member 80 is eccentrically mounted on the rotatablevalve stem 82. The top of this valve stem is knurled at 83 to receive avalve operating handle 84 which is held firmly down upon the knurledsurface by the screw 85. The heavy gland member 01 is threaded into theupper face of the valve body at 88 and carries the internal packing ring89. The lower end SI of the valve-stem 82 is seated in a socket 93formed in the valve body 10. The spherical valve member so is thussupported firmly both above and below the axis of rotation. Theresilient flexible sleeve or ring 95 is fitted about the flange 19, oneedge of the ring resting against the spherical surface 11 of the fitting12, while the opposite edge of the ring engages the surface of thespherical valve member 80.

The several positions of the valve are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.While these figures relate particularly to the valve constructionshownin Figure 2, it will be understood that they also substantially apply tothe construction shown in Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis 91 of the spherical valve member80 is located between the vertical axis 99 of the valve stem 82 and thefitting I2. This brings the spherical member 80 to its full limit ofmovement towards the fitting and under pressure from the inlet openingII so that the pressure will be exerted upon the outer face of theflexible resilient ring 95.

In Figure 4, the axis 91 of the sphere 80 is moved to a position atright angles to the line extending between the axis 99 of the valve stem82 and the axis of the fitting 12. Thus, thespherical surface of themember 80 is swung clear of the edge of the flexible ring 95 andclearance is provided for the flow of fluid through the ring and throughthe internal passage 79 in the fitting I2.

In the operative position shown in Figure 5, the valve is wide open withthe axis 91 of the sphere 80 diametrically opposite the opening 79 infitting I2, which brings the surface of the sphere at its maximumpossible distance away from flexible ring 95. and the flange 18. It willbe understood that the distances and clearances have been somewhatexaggerated in these Figures 3, 4 and 5 and that the parts are sopositioned and related in size that the flexible ring 95 cannot slip.clear of the fitting flange I8 and the spherical surface of the movablevalve memher 30.

Figures 6 to 11 inclusive show modified forms of spherical valves whichmay be substituted, for example, in place of the spherical valves ofFigures 1 and 2.

Figure 6 shows the outlet fitting I00 having spherical surface IM andthe cylindrical flange I02 surrounding the outlet passage I03. Theflexible and resilient cylindrical sleeve I05 bears against thespherical surface IM and against the surface of the valve sphere I 01.

Figure 7 is a section takenbn lines 1-! of Figure. 6 and the axis of thesphere is indicated in both figures at I08. It is to be noted that thisspherical axis I00 is offset from the axis IIO, which is that of thestem for rotating the sphere. The somewhat diagrammaticshowings ofFigures 6 6 to 11 do not include the operating stem for the sphere, butit will be understood that the sphere may be operated by a single valvestem, as shown in Figure 1, or by a valve stem having a portion locatedon each side of the sphere so as to fully support it, as shown in Figure2. The surface of the sphere is shown as partially cut away at I I2. Itis to be noted, from Figure 6, that this cut away portion does notextend to the full height of the sphere, but is of an extentsubstantially equal to the diameter of the outlet passage I 03.

The axis of the sphere is offset, as shown in Figure 7, from the axis ofrotation of the valve stem and the width of the ring I05 issoproportioned relative to the spacing between the sphere I01 and thefitting I00 that, with the parts in full contact as shown in Figure 7,the axis I00 of thesphere is not brought exactly in line with the axisof the fitting I00. This allows for a tight flt in closing the valve. IIn opening the valve, the valve stem is rotated in the counter-clockwisedirection, as seen in Figure 7. The initial part of this rotation movesthe spherical surface slightly out of contact with the edge of the ringI05. A notably slight angular movement brings the cut away portion II2of the sphere in line with the interior of the ring I05, and a slightadditional movement brings it in line with the passage I03 so thatincreased area is provided for the passage of fluid.

The form of construction shown in Figures '8 and 9 involves a sphere II5having an axis II6 ofiset from the axis II! of the operating valve stem.This sphere H5 is provided with a central cylindrical opening I I9passing through the central diameter of the sphere at right angles tothe axis I I5. The sphere is shown in relation to a fitting I 00 andring I05 identical to those shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this case, itwill be apparent that, as the sphere H5 is rotated about the stem axis II! in the counter-clockwise direction asshown in Figure 9, the spherewill move away from the fitting I00 and ring I05 and, after a movementof the cylindrical passage II9 will be in full alignment with thepassage I03 in the fitting I00. I

The form of construction shown in Figures 10 and ll includes the sphereI20 having the axis I2I and being rotatable about the axis I22 of theoperating valve stem. This sphere is also shown in combination with thefixed fitting I 00 and the ring I05. The sphere I20 is shown cut away inan approximate heart-shaped configuration at I24. This particularconfiguration affords a gradual increase in the passage openingavailable for passage of fluid through the valve with the sphere I20rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about the valve stem axis I22,as shown in Figure 11. The sphere first moves slightly away from thefitting I00 and ring I05 and then, as rotation continues, the cut awayportion I24 is gradually exposed to the interior of ring I05 and centralpassage I03 through the fitting. Since this area, as shown inbrokenlines in Figure 1!), is quite small at the point I26 which firstpasses the ring I05 and grows progressively larger, the area availablefor flow will be gradually increased and not rather quickly increased aswould be the case, for example, with the form of construction shown inFigures 6 and 7. It will be apparent, of course, that, conversely, whenthe valve is closed the cut ofi" of flow will be grad uated in thereverse direction.

The form of construction shown in Figure 12 includes a housing I40 havina threaded inlet cap I1 3' of the plunger member I68.

a cylindrical flange I53 surrounding the passage The spherical valveclosure member 7 The mixing chamber I91 in the housing 190' is separatedfrom the outlet chamber 231 by the perforated plate 233 which is held inposition by split ring .234. The threaded outlet or discharge opening236 extends from the chamber 23I through the side wall of the bo'dyI 90.

. in the operation of this valve, the position of the sphere 203relative to the two rings 208 and 209 is varied, dependent upon thetemperature, which affects the spiral 2I1 and the adjustment of thatspiral by means of the arm 224. It would beassume'd that if cold water,for example, enters I55 ispivoted on pivot members I51 which fit a intoin arms I58 extending from member 1-59. The pivot members I51 aresecured to the spherical member i 55, as by a tight push fit, so thatthey rotatewith'that member. These members I51 are provided with thesmall gears I9 which mesh withra'cks I92 formed on the legs of theU-shapedinember I64.

The U-sha-ped member IE4 is secured by screws lfififto the lower squaredportion I61 of a solenoid plunger. The upper rounded portion I08 of thisplunger is surrounded by a compression spring I69. The upperside of thevalve chamber I43 is closed by the threaded fitting I1iwh'ich compressesthe O-ring I12. The cap I13 is'threaded into the fitting ill at "I14. Awelded joint has also been indicatedat I15 since this can be a permanentconnection and may, thus, be made fluid-tight.

noted that the 'U -shaped member I54 is provided with'a'n enlargedopening I19 in alignment with the inlet port I42 and outlet passage I48,as well as with the passage I90 which extends through the sphere I55.

The form of construction shown in Figures 14 and 15 is adapted for useas a mixing valve which might, for example, be used to mix hot and coldwater to deliver a flow of the desired temperature. The body member I90is provided with the oppositely located inlet openings I9I and I93,which are shown as threaded for the attachment of suitable pipes. Thesimilar fittings I94 and I95 are pressed into the inner portion 'ofthese openings and extend into the mixing chamber I91. These fittingsI94 and I95 are provided with the spherical surfaces I90 and I99 and thecylindrical flanges 200 and 20! respectively. The spherical valve member203 is eccentrically mounted on the rotatable valve stem 204. This valvestem has a lower portion 295 fitted in the bearing notch 206 in the bodymember I90. The flexibie and resilient rings 208 and 209 are fittedbetween the fittings I94 and I95 and the spherical valve 299. The upperend 2I0 of the valve shaft .204 is fitted in a recess 2| I in arotatable member 2I2, which member is fitted in the closure member 2I3.The closure member 2I3 is threaded into the body member I90 at 2I4 andpresses the packing ring 2I5. The bearing memher 212 is also providedwith a packing ring 2I6, and this member 2I2 is rotatable in the closuremember 2I3. The bimetallic spiral strip 2I1 has one end secured to thevalve stem 2I0 and the other end secured, as shown in broken lines inFigure 15, at 2I9 to the arm 22I which is connected to the member 2I2.The rotatingmemher 224 is secured to member 2I2 by means of screw 225,this member 224 having an inwardly extending lug 221 adapted to fitbetween raised lugs 229 on the face of the closure member 2I3 tomaintain the bi-m'etallic spiral 2I1 in the desired position ofadjustment.

The solenoid coil I11 surrounds the 1 It will be the chamber I91 throughopenin HI and hot water enters the same chamber through opening I93,these two news will mix in'the chamber and pass through openings inplate '233 in the chamber 2'3I where the mixture will act upon the bimetallic stri 2i1 and flow out of the housing through the outlet 239. Itwill be apparent that,

by suitable design of the 'bi metallic strip 2 I1 and proper adjustmentof'the normal tension on that spiral by the-arm 224', the location ofthe sphere 293 may be automatically controlled to maintain any desireddischarge temperature. This will, 'of course, be dependent upon therelative temperatures of the incoming hot and cold water and,consequently, the means for adjustment as shown is provided. It is to benoted that this valve is a mixing valve and not a shut off valve. ItWill be necessary, therefore, to provide suitable valves for closing offflow to inlet passages I-9I I93 in the housing I90, or new fro'mtheoutlet passage 23% in said housing.

Referring next to the form of construction shown in Figures 16 to 18inclusive, the device comprises the valve body member 240 having thethreaded inlet opening 242 formed therein.

The valve chamber 253 in the body is closed by the fitting 245 which isthreaded into the body, compressing the packing ring 246. This fitting245 has a threaded opening 248 for receiving the endoi an outlet pipe,this opening communicating w i'ththe central passage 249. The inner faceof the fitting 245 is formed with the segmental spherical surface '25Iterminating in the cylindrical wall 252 surrounding the passage 249. The

rotatable valve member 253 is generally spherical in form with thecentral passage 255 extending therethrough, As best shown in Figure 18,this member 253 provided with a trunnion 251 fitting in a'bearing socket259 in the'valv'e body 240. The member 249 'is also provided with theshaft 259 aligned with the trunnion 251', both being locatedeccentrically of the center of the sphere 253, as best shown in Figure17. The shaft 259 extends through the cap 26'] which is threaded intothe valve body 249. Packing rings 262 and 293-tare provided to make arelatively fluid-tight JOlIl The outerendof shaft 259 is knurled 01ridged, as indicated at 255, to receive an actuating arm 269 which isheld in place by a split ring 261. The outer end of arm 256 is pivotedat 269 to the link 210, the other end of this link being pivoted at THt0 the slide rod 213. This rod 213 is guided in the bearing member 215threaded in a frame 215. The upper end of this frame 216 carries amechanism, generally indicated at 211, which serves to imparta linearmovement to the rod 219. This mechanism may comprise any usual type ofSyl'phon or similar bellows responsive to variations in temperature orpressure. This mechanism may then be adjusted as desired to control theopening and closing of the valve upon predetermined variations intemperature or pressure, as the case may be.

The flexible ring 2'19is fitted about the cylindrical flange 252, asshown in Figure 17, the edges of the ring engaging the spherical surface251 of fitting .245 andthe'spherical surface of the rotatable valvemember 253. It will be apparent that, due to the eccentric location ofthe trunnions about which the sphere 253 rotates, rotation in thecounter-clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 17, will open the valve.

The form of construction shown in Figures 19 and 20 relates to a reliefvalve and differs from the valves previously described in operationbecause of the necessary characteristics of such a relief valve. Thevalve housing 280 contains a valve chamber 281 into which leads adischarge passage 283. Into the left end of the valve body 280, as seenin Figure 19, is threaded the fitting 285 having an inlet opening 286and fluid passage 28l formed therein. The packing ring 288 is providedto form a tight connection. The inner face of the fitting 285 isprovided with a spherical contact surface 29-0 which terminates in thecylindrical flange 291 surrounding the fluid passage 281. The fitting285 engages the outer face of a valve support frame 293 and retains thatframe in position. This frame 293 is provided with a pair of spaced arms294 between which is fitted the spherical valve member 295. This valvemember isprovided with the opposite trunnion 296 which fit in openingsinthe arms 294. It will be noted, from Figure 19, that the trunnions arelocated eccentrically of the diametrical axis of the sphere 295. Theresilientring 298 fits about the flange 291, its opposite edges engagingthe spherical surface 290 and the surface of the sphere 295. The rightend of the valve housing the trunnions in a counter-clockwise direction,as seen in Figure 19. This rotation is resisted by the spring 308, andthe valve may be adjusted the outer face, as in the other constructions.

with the axis of the inlet passage 281. The hexagonal spring pressedplunger 305 is fitted into bore 303, this plunger having a reduced end305 about which is fitted one end of the compression spring 308. Theopposite end of the spring 308 fits about a reduced portion 309- of anadjustable pressure member 3| I. The member 311 is adjusted to providethe desired spring pressure by means of a member312 which'is threadedinto the end of the fittin 301 and which may be adjusted by its squaredend 313. A look nut 314 is provided to lockthe member 312 in the desiredadjusted position. The adjusting member is covered by a cap 316 threadedonto the body of" the fitting 30f. h

The sliclable plunger 305 has the contact head 318 fitted on its innerandcentral projection 319 on the head fitting into an axial bore 320 inthe member 305. This contact member 318 extends into the valve chamber281 and has a flattened surface 322 engaging the spherical surface ofthe valve member395.

In the operation of this valve, it will benoted that the spherical valvemember 295 is sup orted on trunnions aligned with the axis of the'inletpassage 281 and the axis of the plunger 305. These trunnions, aspreviously stated, however, do not coincide with the axis of the sphereitself which is located at a'point 324 indicated on Figwe 19.Consequently, the pressure of the fluid engaging the portion of thespherical face surrounded by ring 298 affords a resultant pressurelocated eccentrically of the axisof the trunnions and one which tends torotate the sphere about Figure 21 is a diagrammatic representation of Va two-way valve operating according to the principles of the valveconstruction disclosed herein. The spherical valve member 330 is pivotedon an eccentric axis at 331. The valve housing 333 is provided with afluid inlet passage 334 communicating with a valve chamber 335. similarfittings 336 and 338 are shown extending into the valve chamber 335. Thefittings 336 and 338 are provided with the spherical surfaces 339 and340, respectively, together with the terminating cylindrical flanges 341and 342, respectively. The fitting 338 is shown as supportin theflexible ring 342, which also is shown engaging the surface of the valvesphere 330. A similar. ring 344 is shown as supported on the fitting.338. It will be apparent that, in the valve position shown in Figure21, the passage 343 through the fitting 336 is closed by the valvemember 330, while the passage 345 through fitting 338 is opened to thevalve chamber335 and, consequently, to the 'in-,

let passage 334. Rotation of the valve sphere about its trunnions 331 inthe counter-clockwise direction to bring it to the broken line positionwill open the passage 343 and close passage 345; It will beapparentthat, at an intermediate position of valve sphere 330, both passages 343and 345 will be in communication with the valve chamber335.

The type of seal shown in Figure 22 is: applied in the drawing to thegeneral valve construction of Figure 1, but it will be understood thatit may be applied equally well to such valve stems or trunnions of otherforms of construction as extend externally of the valve body or housingand require a seal. The valve body 350 has the upstanding threadedflange 351 upon which is screwed the cap 352. The rotatable'valve stem354 extends down through the cap 352 and into the valve body 350, thestem being rotated by the handle 355 which is connected thereto in anyusual manner. The valve cap 352 is provided onits inner face with thespherical surface 351 surrounding the opening through which the valvestem 354 passes. The valve stem 354 has a circumferentially extendingflange 358, the upper face of which is formed as "a spherical surfacefacing the valve cap surface 351. The ring 365 floats between the twospherical surfaces and acts as a seal. The ring is held in close contactwith the spherical surfaces by the spring 368, the lower end of whichbearsagainst the bottom of the recess 362 in the valve body 350 and itsupper end bears against the underside of the valve stem flange 358.Since the various types of valves shown all are in effect universaljoints, it is unnecessary that the ring 358 or its meeting sphericalsurfaces be manufactured to close tolerances since variation of theaxial position of the valve stem or trunnion 354 over a substantial disA pair of 11 tance has no effect on the functioning of the valve.

The. operation of the various forms of the valves described will beobvious from the description and drawings of each.

The combination of the fixed spherical surface, together with theringand movable or rotatable spherical surface, constitutes in effect auniversal joint so thatan absolutel y tight closure may be affordedbetween the spherical surface and ring edges throughout acomparativelywide variation of angular relationships between thefixed and movablemembers. This avoi'ds the necessity for working to close tolerances andaffords the possibility of ample movement to take care of future wear.

It is to be understood that the various forms ofthe construction shownare illustrative only, as the invention maybe further modified to meetdiffering conditions and requirements. I, therefore, contemplate suchvariations as come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. In combination a valve comprising a fixed and a: rotatable valvemember, each of said members having a segmental spherical seat portion,the rotatable member being provided with means whereby it is positivelyrotatable about an axis eccentric relative to the center of itsspherical surface whereby it is moved toward and away from the fixedmember and a ring member of less diameter than the diameter: of eitherspherical seat, said ring member being located between the fixed? andmovable members and having opposite edges: adapted to engage thespherical seats of said members andto' closely fit against said seatswhen the rotatable member is rotated to 'a predetermined position.

2;: In combination a valve comprising a fixed and a rotatable valvemember, each of said members having a segmental spherical seat portion,the fixed valve member having a fluid passage formed therein extendingthrough the spherical seat portion thereof, the rotatable member beingprovided with means whereby it is positively rotatable about an axiseccentric relative to the centerof its spherical surface whereby it ismoved toward and away from the fixed member and a ring member of lessdiameter than the diameter of either spherical seat, said ring memberbeing located between the fixed and movable members and having; oppositeedges adapted to engage the spherical seats of said members and toclosely fit against said seats when the rotatable member is rotated to apredetermined position, thering enclosing the passage through the fixed.member in said position.

3;. In combination a valve comprising a. fixed. and a rotatablevalvemember, each of said members having a segmental spherical seatportion,

each member having passages. extending through said spherical surface,the rotatable member be,- ing provided with means whereby it ispositively rotatable about an. axis eccentric relative to the center ofits spherical surface whereby it is moved toward and away from the fixedmember, and a ring member of less internal. diameter than. the diameterof either spherical seat, said ring memher being located between thefixed and rotatable members and having opposite edges. adapted to engagethe spherical. seats and to closely fit against said seats when therotatable member is rotated to a predetermined position, the ring beingof 'awidthto stop movement of the rotata- 1'2 blemember in one directionat said. predetermined position.

" 4.. In combination a valve comprising a fixed and a rotatable valvemember, each of said. members having a segmental spherical seat.portion,

each member having passages extending throughsaid spherical surface, therotatable member being provided? with means whereby it is positivelyrotatable aboutanaxis eccentric relative to'the center of its sphericalsurface whereby it is moved toward and away from the fixed member, and abers having a segmental spherical seat portion,

each memberhaving passages extending through said spherical surface, therotatable member be ing provided with. means whereby it is positivelyrotatable about an axis eccentric relative to the center of itsspherical surface whereby it is moved. toward and away from the. fixedmember, and a ring member of less internal diameter than the. diameterof either spherical seat, said ring member being located between thefixed and rotatable members and having opposite" edges adapted toengagethe spherical seats and to closely fit against said seats when therotatable, member is rotated to a predetermined position', the'passagethrough the fixed member being, enclosed by said ringzin thepredetermined position and the passage through the rotatable memberbeing clear of the ring in said. position,

the rotatable member being movable to a. position with the passagethrough said movablemember substantially aligned: with; the passage inthe; fixed member and with the ring loosely floating upon the sphericalsurfaces of the two members. 7

6. In combination a valve comprising a pair of valve members, each ofsaid members having a segmental spherical seat portion, one of saidmembers being fixed and the other being rotatable, the rotatable memberhaving aligned trunnions extending therefrom upon an axis spaced fromthe axis of the spherical surface. of said member, a ring member fittedbetween said spherical surfaces and means connected to at least one ofvsaid vtrunnions for rotating the rotatable member toward and away fromthe ring and. fixed member. v

7. The valve. of claim 1 in which the movable member isprovided with aportion of its surface of less radius than the radius of its sphericalseat, a portion of the said surface of less radius being exposed Withinthe ring as said member is moved away from the predetermined position.v

8. The: valve of claim 1 in, which the means whereby the rotatablemember is positively rotated comprises a member directly contacting the.movable member for moving said. member toward the ring andfi-xed member.

9... The valvev of claim 1 in which the: fixed member has a passagetherein extending through. thespherical seat, and. the seat further hasa cylindrical flange extending from the seat around the passage, thering member fitting loosely about the cylindrical flange.

10. The valve of claim 1 in which the means passing through itsspherical axis and means supporting said stem to move said stem about anaxis located eccentrically of the spherical axis.

11. The valve of claim 1 in which there is provided a second fixedmember having a spherical seat portion located adjacent the movablemember at a point angularly displaced 'from the first fixed member, asecond ring member of less diameter than the diameter of the sphericalseats, said ring being located between the second fixed member and themovable member and having opposite edges adapted to engage the sphericalseats of said members and to closely fit References Cited in the file 01this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 5 213,739 1,062,064 1,246,747 r1,442,452 1,670,691 10 1,784,381 2,080,272 2,142,970 2,173,949

Number against said seats when the rotatable member 7 is rotated to asecond predetermined position. KENLY C. BUGG.

Name Date Hess Aug. 19, 1879 Ward May 20, 1913 Ide Nov, 13, 1917 TaylorJan. 16, 1923 Riggin May 22, 1928 \OStroke Dec. 9, 1930 Hollman May 11,1937 i Anderson Jan. 3, 1939' Neveu Sept. 26, 1939 Bugg Aug. 23, 19491FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Mar. 2a, 1936

